Worldwide Christmas December 18, 2025 Devotional

LUKE 3:15-16 | ¹⁵ As the people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, ¹⁶ John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

The last three days have been about being strong, strong enough to live honestly, bravely, and independently. John the Baptist was strong enough to tell the truth, face opposition, and pursue a non-conforming lifestyle of simplicity. He had tremendous ego strength, taking on the notorious Herod in his own courtroom and challenging the leaders of the nation of Israel. But biblical ego adjustment has another aspect also—a kind of reverse strength. Although John's ego was large enough to meet challenges, it was small enough to have three downsized virtues. The first of those was modesty. In our verses today, John says something remarkable to an admiring audience who were excited about his ministry and who thought they saw Messiah qualities in him. He says, "uh-uh, no way! I am not even in the same league! I am not fit to carry His bat, to shine His shoes!" John's strength did not lead to delusions of grandeur. He understood his own limits. He was modest.

The key part to knowing who you are is knowing who you are not! Do you agree or disagree?

Do you see modesty as a mature virtue? A hidden strength? Do you find it easier to be large or small, ego wise?

Gracious God,

May my strength be grounded in modesty. Let me seek to please You alone.

Amen.